Enhancing Training of Family Medicine Residents in CBT for Chronic Pain Management

Attachments: Presentation slides, References handoutAbstract The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) clinical guidelines for chronic pain management advocate for trials of nonpharmacologic and nonopioid therapies as the preferred strategies. Further, if opioids are prescribed, it is recommended that they be combined with these alternative treatments as appropriate. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain management has garnered strong research support as a nonpharmacologic alternative treatment. Medical residents may have more success engaging patients in CBT-oriented interventions if they are educated in the intervention strategies and have witnessed the benefits. In our family medicine teaching clinic, we provide a collaborative and inter-professional learning experience within a group medical visit setting for medical residents to gain hands-on practice providing CBT interventions for patients with chronic pain. Residents are coached by faculty, including a family physician, a clinical psychologist, and/or a licensed social worker, to deliver the intervention portion of the group medical visit. This model has been received well by residents, faculty, and patients alike. During this lecture discussion, we will describe the adaptation of CBT principles as an intervention alternative for chronic pain management. We will provide an overview of our teaching strategy, any challenges we have faced, and potential strategies to overcome barriers and optimize learning.